Biological Contamination is a Real National Problem

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Biological Contamination is a Real National Problem

2/20/2002

TAMPA, Fla., Feb 20, 2002 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Baker, Chairman

and CEO of BBJ Environmental Solutions (OTC Bulletin Board: BBJE), reports,

" BBJ's research has identified various types of mold, mildew, bacteria, and

fungi that inhabit heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems;

as well as the various low-molecular-weight volatile organic compounds

(VOCs) given off by these organisms. "

BBJ MicroBiocide, specifically registered with the EPA for HVAC systems,

is highly effective in preventing or inhibiting the growth of active

microorganisms such as bacteria, mold and other fungi that grow in heating,

ventilation and air-conditioning ( " HVAC " ) systems for months at a time.

Although BBJ MicroBiocide effectively kills these microorganisms upon

application, what makes this product unique is its ability to make that same

treated surface uninhabitable to future microbial growth for months at a

time. By preventing the growth and establishment of colonies, you

effectively eliminate the various health effects caused by microbes in the

HVAC system.

Mr. Baker added, " Biological contamination should be a concern for Federal

and local officials, environmental consultants, building managers, home

owners and health professionals. Biological contaminates are agents derived

from or that are living organisms (e.g. viruses, bacteria, fungi) that can

be inhaled and may cause many types of health effects including allergic

reactions, respiratory disorders, hypersensitivity diseases, and infectious

diseases. Many fungi (e.g., species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium,

Trichoderma, and Memnoniella) in addition to Stachybotras atra can produce

potent mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that have been

identified as toxic agents. In addition, fungi can cause allergic reactions.

The most common symptoms are runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion,

and aggravation of asthma. In addition, there have been reports linking

health effects in office workers to offices contaminated with moldy surfaces

and in residents of homes contaminated with fungal growth. Symptoms, such as

fatigue, respiratory ailments, and eye irritation were typically observed in

these cases.

" Take for example the outbreak at the New Jersey hotel where a woman died on

February 10, 2002 and many others were hospitalized with flu-like symptoms.

The doctors reported that the woman had signs of bacterial pneumonia and a

rash associated with the types of bacteria that cause pneumonia and

meningitis. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as fulminant bacterial

pneumonia, which occurs when bacteria enters the lungs and spreads

throughout the system. However, health officials later announced that she

also had the virulent blood infection meningococcemia. While it is apparent

that the woman ultimately succumbed to the meningococcemia, it is very

likely that the organisms that led to others being hospitalized with

flu-like symptoms came from the interior of the HVAC system in the hotel. I

am confident that enhancing a facilities preventative maintenance program

with the products and techniques BBJ has developed will eliminate the HVAC

system as a source of contamination of these types of organisms. Technology

breakthroughs such as the Automated Clean-In-Place system and BBJ

MicroBiocide prevent the colonies that feed organisms into the

ventilation system from ever being established, " stated Mr. Baker.

Mr. Baker also added, " Building materials supporting fungal growth must be

remediated as rapidly as possible in order to ensure a healthy environment.

Repair of the defects that lead to water accumulation (or elevated humidity)

should be conducted in conjunction with or prior to fungal remediation.

Specific methods of assessing and remediating fungal contamination should be

based on the extent of visible contamination and underlying damage. The

simplest and most expedient remediation that is reasonable, and properly and

safely removes fungal contamination, should be used. Extensive

contamination, particularly if heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC)

systems or large occupied spaces are involved, should be assessed by an

experienced health and safety professional and remediated by personnel with

training and experience handling environmentally contaminated materials.

" We know HVAC systems are a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, algae, and

other fungi. The American Lung Association (ALA) says infectious respiratory

diseases including 'influenza, measles, chicken pox, and tuberculosis' can

be caused by the very contaminants found in your HVAC system. In fact,

chronic lung disease is America's number three killer. Asthma and allergy

sufferers, people with other chronic respiratory problems, children and the

elderly are especially sensitive to dirty HVAC systems. And while breathing

contaminants is bad enough, dirty systems also spread these contaminants

throughout the indoor environment landing on food preparation surfaces as

well as your dinner, " noted Mr. Baker. In studies by Eckardt Johanning M.D.,

of Eastern New York Occupational and Environmental Health Center, people

with prolonged exposure to mycotoxins from Stachybotrys (type of mold) and

other fungi experienced chronic fatigue, loss of balance, irritability,

memory loss and difficulty speaking. "

BBJ Environmental Solutions, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets

products that eliminate air contamination in heating, ventilating, air-

conditioning and refrigeration systems anywhere they are used (health care

facilities, office buildings, residential homes, schools, governmental

facilities, transportation vehicles, food plants, etc.). BBJ products are

distributed and sold through private label partners and HVAC wholesalers and

contractors across the U.S. All BBJ products are environmentally friendly,

easy to use and biodegradable; and are registered with the Environmental

Protection Agency, NSF International and/or the United States Patent Office.

To learn more on how you can improve the healthfulness of your environment,

safeguard yourself and your family from the hazards of indoor air pollution

and enjoy the benefits from reduced energy bills, please find additional

information at www.bbjenviro.com.

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SOURCE BBJ Environmental Solutions, Inc.

CONTACT: J. Gordon, VP of Corporate Administration, BBJ

Environmental Solutions, Inc., +1-800-889-2251 or fax, +1-813-623-4032

URL: http://www.bbjenviro.com http://www.prnewswire.com

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